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Contents
- The climate of Durham
- The best time to visit Durham
- The worst time to visit Durham
- Spring weather in Durham
- Summer weather in Durham
- Autumn weather in Durham
- Winter weather in Durham
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The climate of Durham
Durham, a town located in New Hampshire, USA, predominantly experiences a Dfb climate according to the Köppen climate classification, indicating a humid continental climate with no dry season and warm summers. A journey through the climatic data reveals a pattern of shifting temperatures, fluctuating humidity levels, diverse rainfall occurrences and varying daylight hours that define the weather profile of this region.
Throughout the year, Durham sees a fairly regular temperature shift with its highest average temperatures in July at 77.4°F (25.2°C) and lowest in January at 19.8°F (-6.8°C). This range from the peak of summer to the depth of winter is reflective of the continental climate and marks the region's noteworthy temperature variability. Humidity levels show a minimal fluctuation, staying relatively high throughout the year, averaging from 75% to 80%.
Rainfall varies moderately throughout the year with the highest incidence in December and October both with 2.87" (73mm) and the least rainfall recorded in September, at 1.46" (37mm). There is an observable shift in the number of rainy days from a peak of 15 days in May to a low of 7.6 days in February, aligning with the overall rainfall pattern. This, coupled with data on snowfall that suggests a concentration of snow in the winter months - from 4.53" (115mm) in December to 3.9" (99mm) in January - explains the seasonal water precipitation variations in Durham.
Throughout the year, Durham sees a fairly regular temperature shift with its highest average temperatures in July at 77.4°F (25.2°C) and lowest in January at 19.8°F (-6.8°C). This range from the peak of summer to the depth of winter is reflective of the continental climate and marks the region's noteworthy temperature variability. Humidity levels show a minimal fluctuation, staying relatively high throughout the year, averaging from 75% to 80%.
Rainfall varies moderately throughout the year with the highest incidence in December and October both with 2.87" (73mm) and the least rainfall recorded in September, at 1.46" (37mm). There is an observable shift in the number of rainy days from a peak of 15 days in May to a low of 7.6 days in February, aligning with the overall rainfall pattern. This, coupled with data on snowfall that suggests a concentration of snow in the winter months - from 4.53" (115mm) in December to 3.9" (99mm) in January - explains the seasonal water precipitation variations in Durham.
The best time to visit Durham
The most amicable weather conditions for visiting Durham can be found in the months from May to September, encompassing late spring, summer and early autumn. During these months, one can expect the highest average temperatures, ranging from 62.2°F (16.8°C) to 77.4°F (25.2°C). Additionally, it is during this period that Durham experiences the longest daylight hours, with up to 15.3 hours of daylight in June and July. These factors contribute to a pleasant overall weather experience, suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Durham
Conversely, winter months, particularly December, January and February, might prove challenging for visitors due to the colder climate and higher snowfall. Temperatures during this period average between 19.8°F (-6.8°C) and 33.6°F (0.9°C), representing the coldest months in Durham. Snowfall peaks in December and January with 4.53" (115mm) and 3.9" (99mm) of snow respectively. Shorter daylight hours, from 9.4 hours to 9.1 hours, also contribute to less optimal conditions for outdoor leisure activities.
Spring weather in Durham
Spring in Durham, unfolding from March to May, witnesses a steady rise in temperatures. The average high temperature fluctuates between 40.3°F (4.6°C) and 62.2°F (16.8°C), while the low temperatures range from 28.2°F (-2.1°C) to 47.1°F (8.4°C). Rainfall sees a slight peak in April, with an average of 2.52" (64mm). The length of daylight gradually increases with 12 hours in March and reaches 14.7 hours by the end of May, providing greater opportunity for outdoor exploration.
Summer weather in Durham
Summer in Durham, extending from June through August, is characterized by the city's highest temperatures. Average high temperatures fall from 70.2°F (21.2°C) to 76.8°F (24.9°C) and lows range from 55.2°F (12.9°C) to 61.3°F (16.3°C). Rainfall is not uncommon in the summer, although it sees a slight decrease, with the lowest average precipitation recorded in August at 1.97" (50mm). Daylight hours peak at 15.3 hours in June, slowly tapering off to 13.9 hours by August.
Autumn weather in Durham
Autumn in Durham, spanning from September to November, sees a gradual decrease in temperatures. September brings highs around 69.6°F (20.9°C) and lows around 55°F (12.8°C), but by November, highs fall to 46.6°F (8.1°C) with lows around 35.8°F (2.1°C). Rainfall increases throughout the autumn months, with November receiving an average of 2.52" (64mm) of rainfall. The shrinkage of daylight hours continues, with 12.5 hours in September and down to 9.7 hours by November.
Winter weather in Durham
Winter in Durham, stretching from December to February, exhibits the most extreme weather. Low temperatures average between 19.8°F (-6.8°C) in January, the coldest month, and reach 27.3°F (-2.6°C) by February. The average high and low temperatures range from 31.5°F (-0.3°C) to 33.6°F (0.9°C) and from 19.8°F (-6.8°C) to 21°F (-6.1°C) respectively. Snowfall is highest in December with 4.53" (115mm) on average. Daylight hours are at their shortest in December, with 9.1 hours, gradually increasing to 10.5 hours in February.
Weather in January
January marks the beginning of winter in Durham, New Hampshire, presenting a frigid climate. Compared to the later February, January exhibits a lower average temperature, with temperatures flowing from a high of 31.5°F (-0.3°C) to a cold low of 19.8°F (-6.8°C). Weather in January »
Weather in February
As February takes hold, Durham experiences a slight increase in temperature, creating a somewhat warmer atmosphere compared to the preceding January. Between 21°F (-6.1°C) as the lowest and 33.6°F (0.9°C) as the highest, the temperatures remain in the low range. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March typically brings the initial signs of spring to Durham. The temperatures start to rise gradually, and the amount of daylight begins to increase. The city experiences peak rainfall in March with precipitation amounting to 2.36" (60mm). Weather in March »
Weather in April
In April, Durham witnesses very clear signs of Spring. Compared to March, April promises milder temperatures and more sunshine hours. The month, however, can be quite humid, with relative humidity marked at 75%. The occurrence of snowfall reduces significantly, allowing spring flowers to bloom in full. Weather in April »
Weather in May
Moving into May, Durham continues to enjoy the warmth and beauty of spring. Compared to the previous month's moderate conditions, May's temperatures climb higher. As for noteworthy conditions, May records the lowest rainfall at 2.01" (51mm), making it one of the driest months. Weather in May »
Weather in June
Come June, the weather transitions from spring to summer in Durham. In comparison to May, temperatures increase yet again, offering warmer days. Alongside, daylight hours crest to their highest, providing longer sunny days. June's distinctive weather pattern makes it an optimum time for outdoor activities and events. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July showcases typical summer weather for Durham, representing the height of the warm season. With temperatures reaching the peak at 77.4°F (25.2°C) to 61.5°F (16.4°C) and keeping the mercury high, July is indeed the hottest month. Weather in July »
Weather in August
As August commences, weather conditions continue to stay characteristic of summer but are noticeably less intense than those in July. While temperatures are still high, there is a slight decrease compared to the previous month. The extended daylight hours ensure that Durhamites can still enjoy their outdoor activities. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September ushers in the early signs of fall in Durham. Compared to August, the temperatures in September show a decline but remain comfortably warm. The month of September marks a substantial decrease in rainfall, measuring at 1.46" (37mm). Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in Durham introduces crisp fall weather with cooler temperatures, especially when compared to the previous month. The noticeable shift in weather brings about the peak of the fall season. Although rainfall rises to 2.87" (73mm), the pleasant weather allows for fantastic views of autumn colors. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November establishes the onset of winter in Durham with a marked drop in temperature compared to October. Winter winds start to gather strength, causing temperatures to drop further. November brings an increase in snowfall, registering 0.98" (25mm), signifying the coming winter. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December in Durham ushers in the full swing of winter. Compared to the transitional November, temperatures in December remain consistently low. Maximum snowfall is recorded in this month at 4.53" (115mm), transforming Durham into a winter wonderland. Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 22, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What is the coldest time of year?
January stands out as Durham's coldest month, with temperatures ranging between an average high of 31.5°F (-0.3°C) and a low of 19.8°F (-6.8°C).
What is the most humid month?
January and February, with an average relative humidity of 80%, are most humid months.
How much does it rain?
In Durham, during the entire year, the rain falls for 144.8 days and collects up to 27.24" (692mm) of precipitation.
When does it snow?
January through April, October through December are months with snowfall.
How much does it snow?
In Durham, during the entire year, snow falls for 35.1 days and aggregates up to 18.78" (477mm) of snow.
What is the month with the lowest UV index?
The months with the lowest UV index are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
What are the months with the least sunshine?
February and December, with an average of 4.8h of sunshine, are months with the least sunshine.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Durham?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.
What are the least humid months?
The months with the lowest humidity are April and November, with an average relative humidity of 75%.
When it does not snow?
In Durham, snow does not fall in May through September.
When are the longest days?
With an average of 15h and 18min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.
What part of the year is the hottest?
The highest temperatures are recorded in July, with averages reaching a high of 77.4°F (25.2°C) and a low of 61.5°F (16.4°C).
What is the month with the highest UV index?
July and August, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index.
What month has the most sunshine?
With an average of 10.6h of sunshine, August has the most sunshine of the year.
What is the driest month in Durham?
The month with the least rainfall is September, when the rain falls for 11.4 days and typically collects 1.46" (37mm) of precipitation.
What is the rainiest month?
The wettest months are October and December, with an average 2.87" (73mm) of rainfall.
When does it snow the most?
The month with the most snowfall is December, when snow falls for 7.3 days and typically aggregates up to 4.53" (115mm) of snow.
What is the month with the shortest days?
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.
Average temperature
Durham, NH
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (77.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (31.5°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (61.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (19.8°F).
Average pressure
Durham, NH
- Average pressure in January:
29.99"Hg - Average pressure in February:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.02"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.96"Hg - Average pressure in May:
30"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.92"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.03"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.06"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).
Average wind speed
Durham, NH
- Average wind speed in January:
10.8mph - Average wind speed in February:
10.4mph - Average wind speed in March:
9.9mph - Average wind speed in April:
8.9mph - Average wind speed in May:
7.5mph - Average wind speed in June:
6.8mph
- Average wind speed in July:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in August:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in September:
7mph - Average wind speed in October:
8.6mph - Average wind speed in November:
9.1mph - Average wind speed in December:
10mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (10.8mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (6.2mph).
Average humidity
Durham, NH
The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (80%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are April and November (75%).
Average rainfall
Durham, NH
- Average rainfall in January:
2.05" - Average rainfall in February:
2.13" - Average rainfall in March:
2.36" - Average rainfall in April:
2.52" - Average rainfall in May:
2.01" - Average rainfall in June:
2.44"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.05" - Average rainfall in August:
1.97" - Average rainfall in September:
1.46" - Average rainfall in October:
2.87" - Average rainfall in November:
2.52" - Average rainfall in December:
2.87"
The wettest months (with the highest rainfall) are October and December (2.87").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is September (1.46").
Average rainfall days
Durham, NH
- Average rainfall days in January:
8 days - Average rainfall days in February:
7.6 days - Average rainfall days in March:
11.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
14.1 days - Average rainfall days in May:
15 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14.4 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
14.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
13.1 days - Average rainfall days in September:
11.4 days - Average rainfall days in October:
13.3 days - Average rainfall days in November:
10.6 days - Average rainfall days in December:
11.2 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (15 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (7.6 days).
Average snowfall
Durham, NH
The month with the highest snowfall is December (4.53").
The months with the least snowfall are May, June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Durham, NH
- Average snowfall days in January:
8.7 days - Average snowfall days in February:
8.2 days - Average snowfall days in March:
6.8 days - Average snowfall days in April:
1.6 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in November:
2.3 days - Average snowfall days in December:
7.3 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (8.7 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are May, June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Durham, NH
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 2min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 3min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 2min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 0min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 4min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 1min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 18min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 1min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 5min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 2min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 1min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 1min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 4min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 3min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 3min - Average sunshine in December:
4h and 5min
The month with the most sunshine is August (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The months with the least sunshine are February and December (Average sunshine: 4h and 48min).
Average sunshine days
Durham, NH
- Average sunshine days in January:
16 days - Average sunshine days in February:
14.3 days - Average sunshine days in March:
13.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
13.2 days - Average sunshine days in May:
14.6 days - Average sunshine days in June:
13.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
14.6 days - Average sunshine days in August:
15.8 days - Average sunshine days in September:
16.5 days - Average sunshine days in October:
15.3 days - Average sunshine days in November:
17.1 days - Average sunshine days in December:
14.9 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (17.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is April (13.2 days).
Average UV index
Durham, NH
The months with the highest UV index are July and August (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 2).
Average cloud cover
Durham, NH
The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 50).
The month with the least cloud cover is August (Cloud cover 30).
Average visibility
Durham, NH
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
Durham, New Hampshire, USA
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